Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus suitable for pilates and other exercise comprises rails, supported on a box-like frame and an exercise carriage, mounted on the rails, wherein the carriage comprises a first carriage section and a second carriage section which sections can be (i) connected together to form a single exercise carriage which slides forwards and backwards on the rails, or (ii) disconnected to form two exercise carriages which independently slide forwards and backwards on the rails. The apparatus also has a seat with a spring-biased foot pedal and a spring-biased trapeze bar.

The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and the use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Various types and varieties of exercise equipment are available for homeor gymnasium use. A known apparatus for performing exercises such aspilates exercise includes a moveable seat, referred to as a carriage,slidably mounted on carriage rails. Adjustable spring resistanceconnects the carriage to the apparatus frame, against which users canperform a variety of exercises using their leg, arm or other muscles.The carriage rails form part of a frame which has overhead rails onwhich hanging bars can be located for further exercise options.

Other known apparatus consists e.g. of separate, free-standing seatswith pedals mounted against spring resistance for exercise typically ofleg muscle groups, mats for floor work, wall-mounted ladders andwall-mounted hanging bars. Users move between pieces of equipment fordifferent exercises.

These known apparatus have a number of disadvantages. The height andlength of the equipment is generally rather limited, with the resultthat the equipment can not accommodate all sizes of people. It is oftennot possible to lie down completely on the existing equipment for thoseabove a certain height. Generally, only one person at a time can use theequipment. Several items of equipment may be needed in order to carryout a full spectrum of pilates and other exercises. In a gymnasium orpilates studio, budgetary issues may force a decision between purchaseof individual pieces of equipment.

An object of the present invention is to provide exercise apparatus thatoffers an alternative and/or improvement to the above. A further objectof specific embodiments of the invention is to provide apparatusoffering a wider range of muscle exercises. A still further object ofspecific embodiments of the invention is to provide apparatus forexercises not possible with existing apparatus

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides exercise apparatus,comprising:—

-   -   rails, supported on a frame; and    -   an exercise carriage, mounted on the rails;        wherein the carriage comprises a first carriage section and a        second carriage section which sections can be (i) connected        together to form a single exercise carriage which slides        forwards and backwards on the rails, or (ii) disconnected to        form two exercise carriages which independently slide forwards        and backwards on the rails.

The apparatus thus has a carriage, running on the rails, which can beused as a single carriage or split into two independent sections,providing options for additional instability and thus options foradditional exercises.

The apparatus preferably comprises an exercise chair, mounted on theframe. This enables sequential use of the carriage and then the chair bya user or simultaneous use of the carriage and the chair by separateusers.

The apparatus preferably comprises a trapeze bar, mounted on the frame.Similarly, this enables sequential use of the trapeze bar and thecarriage by a user or simultaneous use of the carriage and the trapezeby separate users. This further enables simultaneous use of the trapezebar and carriage by the same user.

DETAILS OF INVENTION

Exercise apparatus of the invention has two rails, supported on a frame,and an exercise carriage, mounted on the rails, wherein the carriagecomprises a first carriage section and a second carriage section whichsections can be (i) connected together to form a single exercisecarriage which slides forwards and backwards on the rails, or (ii)disconnected to form two exercise carriages which independently slideforwards and backwards on the rails.

The carriage typically runs backwards and forwards on rollers along therails, and while it can run freely it is generally biased towards oneend of the frame, suitably by resistance provided e.g. by springs, thenumber or strength of which can be varied. Resistance may be provided bya variety of devices used or suitable for use in like exerciseequipment. Lengths of elastic material, e.g. rubber or elasticated cord,can be used. Springs are particularly suitable, and can be compressionor extension springs and can be mechanical, hydraulic or pneumaticsprings. Typically metal springs are used, especially helical springs.In an embodiment of the invention shown in the example, from one to fivesprings can be attached between the carriage and a plate at the frameend.

The apparatus is usually incorporated into a box-like frame defining anexercise area within and around the frame, the frame comprising:—

-   -   the two rails on which the carriage is mounted and referred to        as lower rails;    -   two left hand side uprights, being proximal to the first        carriage section;    -   two right hand side uprights being proximal to the second        carriage section; and    -   two upper rails mounted between the two pairs of uprights.

A front face of a preferred apparatus is thus made up of a lower rail, aleft-hand upright, an upper rail and a right-hand upright, forming arectangular frame portion. A rear face has, correspondingly, arectangular frame portion made up of a lower rail, left-hand upright,upper rail and right-hand upright. The two rectangular frame portionsare held spaced apart by four cross pieces connecting the respectivecorners of the frame portions and forming the box-like frame.

For use with the moveable carriage, four pulleys may be provided, twomounted on each of the left hand side uprights, wherein each pulley isslidably adjustable along the upright and can be fastened at anyposition, hence the position of each pulley is infinitely adjustablealong the length of its upright. The apparatus may have two ropesthreaded through the pulleys and two rope cleats on the carriage, e.g.on either side of the first carriage section, and wherein the ropes havetwo ends, one of which is free and one is to attach to one of the ropecleats. A handle or a foot strap may be at the free end of the rope andthe other end can be secured to the split carriage via a cleat. Thus,for any particular use the relative positions of the rope ends and ofthe carriage on the rails can be adjusted by pulling the rope throughthe cleat, or alternatively by letting the rope off and then securing itin the cleat.

A wide range of movements and exercises, either free or againstresistance can be performed using the carriage. Generally, the carriage,whether split or as a single unit slides against an adjustableresistance, provided for example by springs, though other means ofproviding resistance are suitable too.

Springs can be removably attachable to the frame, the first carriagesection and the second carriage section so that:

-   -   the first carriage section can be connected by one or more        springs to the second carriage section; and/or    -   the second carriage section can be connected by one or more        springs to the frame.

Springs may additionally or alternatively be removably attachable to theframe, the first carriage section and the second carriage section sothat:

-   -   the first carriage section can be connected by one or more        springs to the second carriage section; and/or    -   the first carriage section can be connected by one or more        springs to the frame.

Individuals requiring differing resistance strengths are able to adjustthe resistance accordingly. The apparatus may thus comprise from 2 to 5springs which can each be independently connected between the firstcarriage section and the frame, from 2 to 5 springs which can each beindependently connected between the first carriage section and thesecond carriage section, and/or from 2 to 5 springs which can each beindependently connected between the second carriage section and theframe.

It is optional to include a lock so that the first carriage section canbe secured at any position along the rails. Additionally oralternatively, a lock may be provided to lock the second carriagesection at any position along the rails.

In an example of the apparatus in use, the carriage is split, with thefirst carriage section locked onto the rails and the second carriagesection not locked but attached by 2 springs to the first. Exercise isthen possible by a user urging the second carriage section away from thefirst, working against the 2 springs. As will be appreciated, differentcombinations of carriage section position and springs can be adoptedaccording to the exercise needed.

A further optional feature, illustrated in a specific embodiment shownin the figures, is a chair or seat with an exercise bar or pedal. Thishas a seating area, generally a flat, wide, horizontal platform whichattaches to the uprights at either end of the frame, in close proximityto a pivotable foot bar, the foot bar also being attached to the frame,towards the bottom of the uprights, and connected via one or moresprings to the frame so that it can be used for exercise by a usersitting on the seat and pushing at the foot bar, resistance beinggenerated by the springs.

A preferred apparatus of the invention hence comprises a seat mountedbetween the two left hand uprights, or between the two right handuprights, and a spring-biased foot pedal associated with the seat.Springs connecting the pedal to the uprights or to the seat may offerresistance to movement of the pedal away from the seat by a user.

A still further feature of embodiments of the invention is the inclusionof a trapeze bar attached to the uprights, at either end of the frame.It securely connects at one end and can pivot. The trapeze bar canoptionally be attached via springs between the lower portion of the barand the frame, providing resistance against which the bar can be moved.

Apparatus described below comprises a trapeze bar removably attached tothe frame and which can be mounted between the two left hand uprights,or between the two right hand uprights or between the two upper rails.It is biased to provide resistance to movement. Springs may connect thetrapeze bar to the uprights or to the rails to offer resistance tomovement of the bar by a user.

The apparatus may also have a foot bar attached to uprights at eitherend of the frame, which can be locked at substantially any height. Thefoot bar can be attached between the left hand uprights or the righthand uprights.

The apparatus preferably comprises adjustable-height feet, for accuratepositioning and levelling of the apparatus on uneven surfaces.

Extensions to the top rails can be provided, projecting to the sidebeyond the junction with the uprights and referred to as ladder bars,which enable optional attachment of a ladder, extending from the ladderbars to the floor. This allows still further exercises to be performedusing the bars or using a ladder that descends from the bars to thefloor. The apparatus may thus comprise a ladder attached to the upperrails.

During exercise, the carriage, whether split or unitary, slides on therails. There is always a danger that it will slide fully to the end ofthe rails and meet the frame abruptly. In embodiments of the invention,the apparatus comprises one or more buffers or shock absorbers to lessenthe impact of the exercise carriage at the limits of its travel on therails, as a safety feature.

The apparatus may further comprise a flat board, attached to the righthand uprights or to the left hand uprights, substantially perpendicularto the exercise carriage. Referred to as a “jump board”, the height ofthe board can be adjusted on the uprights and the board improves therange of exercises possible.

The apparatus may optionally further comprise two or more, or four ormore hand/foot grips, hanging from the upper rails, each optionally andindependently attached by springs. The provision of these handles andsprings (if present) from the upper rails enable “airborne” exercises,with the user's weight supported from the upper rails and the userexercising in mid-air. This again provides the possibility of variousrehabilitation work that is not possible on other machines. In addition,known machines do not provide enough springs/handles to enable thisexercise.

Additional optional aspects of the apparatus are (i) a static board,which can be placed onto the rails, providing in conjunction with thecarriage an elongated mat-like working area, and (ii) a box which can beplaced on top of the carriage and/or the static board, enabling boxwork. A typical box has approximate dimensions 36 cm×46 cm×81 cm (14inches by 18 inches by 32 inches).

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises (i) the carriage madeup of a first carriage section and a second carriage section connectedby spring resistance to the frame, and (ii) the jump board. A user cansit or lie on the carriage, connect from one up to five of the springsbetween the carriage and the frame and exercise leg muscles by placingthe user's feet on the jump board and pushing the carriage away from theright hand end of the frame. The user can lie on the carriage, with theuser's head between and user's shoulders pushing against removableshoulder pads on the carriage.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention comprises (i) thecarriage having first and second carriage sections, and (ii) the tworopes and four pulleys. A user can sit on the carriage, place each handinto one of the hand grips, thread each rope through two pulleys on theleft-hand upright and secure the rope onto the cleats at the front ofthe first carriage section. One or more springs are then connectedbetween the carriage and the right hand end of the frame. In a sittingposition, the user can pull on the ropes, which will urge the carriagetowards the left-hand side and away from the right-hand side of theframe against the spring resistance.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises (i) the carriagesplit into first and second carriage sections, (ii) the box-like frameas described above, and (iii) two hand grips attached via springs to oneor more cross bars between upper rails of the frame. A user cansimultaneously pull on the hand grips against the spring resistance andmove the carriage against its separate spring resistance.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention comprises (i) thecarriage which can be split into first and second sections, (ii) thejump board, (iii) the trapeze bar and (iv) the chair.

The invention is now illustrated with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a view from the right hand side and slightly above of anapparatus of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows detail of the trapeze bar;

FIG. 3 shows an isolated carriage split into first and second sections;

FIG. 4 shows detail of the right hand side of the apparatus with a jumpboard mounted on the right hand uprights;

FIG. 5 shows detail of the right hand end of the frame (jump board notpresent);

FIG. 6 shows detail of a clamp used to attach a foot bar to an uprightof the frame of the apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows a view from above of attaching springs in varying numberbetween the carriage and the frame, one spring being connected;

FIG. 8 shows detail of the upper rails, frame and a cross bar; and

FIG. 9 shows detail of the left hand side of the apparatus, includingthe pulleys and the chair.

The illustrated apparatus works on spring resistance and has a carriage(bed) that can be split into two and a pulley system that can beadjusted in height to suit the versatility of the exercise and the sizeand ability of the exerciser.

The pulley system allows for work on targeted muscle groups of the upperand lower body and also the core muscles. A jumping board provides acardiovascular workout and is used for remedial foot and body work. Theoverall frame is stronger, higher, longer, wider and more stable thanprevious machines, using aircraft-grade aluminium and steel.

The invention thus provides exercise equipment that is trulymulti-functional. It offers a wide range of exercises and a much greaterrange of movements due e.g. to the infinite adjustability of its clamps,bars, hooks and springs; this serves to give it the edge compared toexisting apparatus, that have a limited number of fixed positionsettings.

The increased range of features available for incorporation into theapparatus means that exercises can be performed from sitting, lying,standing, hanging, leaning and kneeling, making it a multi-functionalpiece of apparatus for all ages, sizes and abilities. It is ideal forrehabilitation, sports-specific training and general body conditioning.

An increased working area—within and around the apparatus—allows for awide range of exercises and makes the machine more comfortable for allbody shapes and sizes particularly for athletes and those with a bulkierframe. The size and strength of the machine allows for up to threepeople to work on it at the same time.

A trapeze bar is positioned on the side frames or overhead and allowsfor a greater range of movement that would not be possible from onefixed position.

The carriage can also be separated or connected into and used as asingle platform; it can be fixed at any position along the length of therails, this allows for spring work on the upper and lower body and theuse of one or more overhead trapeze bars. The option to split thecarriage improves the versatility of the machine and allows for anincreased repertoire of exercises also with variability of resistancebetween the two carriages, this serves to focus on muscle instabilitiesthat can compromise other exercises and activities.

An extension platform or static board is included which converts thewhole length of the frame into an elongated bed that can be used for matwork and exercises that are usually carried out on the floor.

An adjustable-height chair, the “wonder chair” system is another featureand is removably attached to either the left or the right hand side ofthe frame over a spring resistance pedal that can work to strengthen allthe muscle groups.

Referring to all Figures and FIG. 1 in particular, the apparatusassembly 10 comprises four 10 cm (4″) diameter aluminium feet 11attached to 7.5 cm (3″) diameter steel legs 12 with a 1.88 cm (¾″)-10steel stud per leg and foot assembly, centred, making the individualfoot assembly adjustable, thus creating a levelling pad for theapparatus 10 when in situ. The steel legs 12 are bored to a 4.39 cm(1¾″) ID 15 cm (6″) deep.

Two 7.5 cm (3″) steel legs with the aluminium foot facing the floor areattached to the aluminium ends (base housings 13) on 72.5 cm (29″)centres with 3 0.78 cm ( 5/16″)-18 shoulder bolts per leg. The aluminiumbase housings 13 are 1.88 cm (¾″) thick×10 cm (4″) wide×80 cm (32″)length. There are two aluminium base housings 13 per apparatus. Thesebase housings have mounted between them 2 steel tubing 5 cm (2″) OD×0.63cm (¼″)×292.5 cm (117″) length carriage rails 14 with welded inserts ineach end creating a 0.94 cm-0.47 cm (⅜″-16) tapped hole for a singlefastener. The base housings are bored to a 3.8 cm (1.5″) depth creatinga working envelope between the two assembled base housings of 285 cm(114″).

The base housings are vertically bored with two 4.30 cm (1¾″) diameterholes placed on 72.5 cm (29″) centres. These four holes are fitted withfour steel upright tubes 15, being 4.30 cm (1¾″) OD×0.24 cm (0.095″)wall×210 cm (84″) lengths. These uprights tubes 15 are then insertedvertically through the base housings and into the steel leg. Then asingle 0.94 cm-0.47 cm (⅜″-16) fastener is used to bind the upright,also referred to as vertical tube 15, the base housings 13 and the splitcarriage guide rail 14 (10 cm (2″) diameter tubing)).

Atop each of the vertical tubes 15 rests a 10 cm×10 cm×10 cm (4″×4″×4″)aluminium junction 16. There is one 4.38 cm (1¾″) diameter×68.13 cm(27.25″) cross tube 17 mounted parallel to each base housing, betweentwo of the 10 cm (4″) square aluminium junctions 16. Then two 4.39 cm(1¾″) diameter×360 cm (144″) length top rail tubes 18 are insertedthrough the one 10 cm (4″) junction block and into the end oppositejunction. This creates a rectangular frame above the existing assembledgrounded frame leaving 60 cm (24″) of 4.38 cm (1¾″) diameter tubingprotruding as trapeze rails 19 from one end of the machine. All 4.38 cm(1¾″) diameter tubes are then fastened to the 10 cm (4″) squarejunctions using 0.78 cm-0.69 cm ( 5/16″-18) fasteners. This completesthe entire frame assembly of the apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the wonder chair 20 consists of an aluminiumframe 21 with a padded foot pedal 22. The frame 21 has 0.63 cm (¼″) pinsat the end opposite the foot pedal that attach to either end of theapparatus base 23 using 0.63 cm (¼″) holes in the steel legs of theframe of the apparatus. Seat assembly 24 is attached to a 0.94 cm(⅜″)×7.5 cm (3″)×70 cm (28″) aluminium bar 25 which has a clamp 26attached to both ends thus allowing a positioning of the seat 24 oneither end of the machine or making the seat completely removable.

Springs 27 are attached at one end to the base of the frame 21 near thefoot pedal and at their other ends to the uprights 15 to provideresistance when the foot pedal is pushed away from the uprights in usee.g. by someone sitting on the seat 24.

On each side of the uprights are mounted two upper and lower pulleys30a, 30b through each pair of which is threaded rope 31 having at itsrespective each a hand/foot strap 32 for attachment in use to the handor foot of a user and a free end (not shown) for location in andsecuring to the carriage (described below). The pulleys are attached tothe uprights via releasable clamps 33 enabling them to be positioned atsubstantially any location up and down the uprights.

Referring to FIG. 2, the trapeze bar 40 consists of two 1.3 cm (½″)×2.5cm (1″)×47.5 cm (19″) aluminium side bars 41 welded one end of each barto a 3.13 cm (1¼″) diameter×65 cm (26″) aluminium trapeze rod 42. Theside bars are then pivotally attached to two clamps 43. Springs 44connect the end distal from the pivoting, clamped end to cross bar 45(shown on e.g. FIG. 1) mounted across the protruding portions 19 of toprail tubes 18. The side bars and rod making up the trapeze bar are thusattached to the clamps and the frame allowing the trapeze bar to moveback and forth, with resistance from the springs when the trapeze bar ismoved away from the cross bar 45. The clamps are moveable on theuprights so as to be suitable any particular user. The clamps can alsobe removed and attached to the top rail tubes, giving greaterpositioning and user options. A second cross bar 45b is moveablyattached to the top tubes, so the trapeze bar can be relocated to theother end of the frame, with the clamps attached to the uprights or tothe top tubes.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a split carriage 50 is mounted on runners onthe carriage rails 14 and slides forward and back on the rails. Thesplit carriage assembly consists of two halves, referred to as firstcarriage section 51 and second carriage section 52, each being 87.5 cm(35″) wide×53.8 cm (21.5″) long and 5 cm (2″) thick. Each half has foursteel bearing retainers with three bearing and wheel assemblies on a 120degree rotation within the bearing retainer (details not shown). Thesebearing retainers are placed on 72.5 cm (29″) centres in the 87.5 cm(35″) plane and 40 cm (16″) centres in the 53.8 cm (21.5″) plane. Thetop bearings then set directly atop and centred on the 5 cm (2″)diameter split carriage guide rails and the other two bearing and wheelassemblies on the 120 degree angles are slid into place, touching the 5cm (2″) diameter split carriage guide rails thus encompassing the splitcarriage guide rails. One half of the split carriage, the first carriagesection 51 has 3 springs attached to it via a piece of aluminium angle.These 3 springs can be removably attached to the other half of the splitcarriage, the second carriage section 52 thus creating spring resistancebetween the two carriage halves, by placing the spring in a slotprovided on the opposite split carriage half. In use one, two or threesprings can be attached between the first and second carriage sections,varying the resistance at the choice of the user. The other half of thesplit carriage, the second carriage section 52, has a piece of aluminiumangle with five springs attached. These 5 springs are easily attached,again removably, to the right hand end 53 of the apparatus by placingone or more or up to all five, using spring heads 55 (shown in FIG. 7)placed in the slots 54 provided by a piece of 0.94 cm (⅜″)×7.5 cm(3″)×87.5 (35″) removable steel spring retainer 56 (shown in FIG. 4)affixed to the end 53 of the apparatus opposite the springs. Theopposite half of the split carriage, first carriage section 51 has twocammed rope cleats 57 attached to the upper 2 corners. Rope 31 isthreaded through two of the pulleys affixed vertically and attached tothe rope cleat on the perspective side as described above. The oppositeside is threaded the same. There is a hand/foot strap on the end of eachrope opposite the cleat and the cleat allows infinite adjustability ofthe rope length to specifically allow any height or build to have acustom length rope immediately available for use. Towards the middle ofthe first carriage section are positioned two removable shoulder pads(not shown) which locate in shoulder pad anchor points 58. These padsproject from the carriage section so that when a user is lying on thecarriage section the user's head fits between the shoulder pads and theuser's shoulders rest on the pads thus providing body stability so thatvarious exercises can be carried out against the adjustable springresistance of the apparatus with no body slippage. Each of the first andsecond carriage sections can be locked in any position along the splitcarriage guide rails using a Destako® vertical clamp (not shown)attached to each side, in the centre, or two Destako® clamps per splitcarriage section. The split carriage is stopped from ramming the end ofthe machine by two 1500 lb hydraulic shock absorbers 59, 1.88 cm (¾″) indiameter×7.5 cm (3″) shown in FIG. 5, attached to a 5 cm (2″) splitcollar 60 which is affixed to each split carriage guide rail. Thistwo-position shock absorption system is positioned to rest on thebearing retainers closest to the 5 spring, right hand end 53 of theapparatus.

The jump board 70 is comprised of a rectangular board, made in this caseof two boards, covered with vinyl and foam, attached to the verticalframe uprights of the 5 spring end 53 of the apparatus with four Velcro®straps. The jump board is 80 cm (32″)×45 cm (18″)×5 cm (2″) with fourVelcro® straps attached on 72.5 cm (29″) centres×40 cm (16″) centres.The jump board can be positioned at any position on either the verticalframe uprights, top tubes, or split carriage guide rails but generallyis used on the vertical uprights of the 5 spring end 53 of theapparatus, resting via hooks 71 on the foot bar 72, for jumping againstone or more or all five of the five springs which can be attachedbetween the right hand end 53 of the frame and the second carriagesection.

The static full body board 80 is 87.5 cm (35″)×168.8 cm (67⅕″)×5 cm (2″)covered in vinyl and foam. The static full body board has six aluminiumrests positioned 72.5 cm (29″) between centres in the 87.5 cm (35″)plane and three per side positioned 137.5 cm (55″) between centres inthe 168.8 cm (67½″) plane. This static full body board is laid on top ofthe split carriage guide rails to the end opposite the split carriageassembly creating a static working table encompassing the entireapparatus base.

The apparatus clamps 33, shown in detail in FIG. 5 consist of 2 piecesof aluminium with a roll pin strategically placed joining the two halvescreating the clamp. The clamps are infinitely adjustable and are usedwith varying attachments for the foot bar 72, the cross bars 45, tosecure the trapeze side bars 41, the pulleys 30 and to attach the seatassembly 24. These removable and infinitely adjustable clamps enablepositioning of each of the respective devices at any position on theapparatus tubes, and their selective removal from the apparatus.

PARTS LIST

-   10 Apparatus-   11 Foot-   12 Leg-   13 Base housing-   14 Carriage rail-   15 Upright tube-   16 Junction-   17 Cross tube-   18 Top rail tubes-   19 Trapeze rails-   20 Wonder Chair-   21 Frame-   22 Foot pedal-   23 Apparatus base-   24 Seat assembly-   25 Bar-   26 Clamp-   27 Spring-   30a,b Pulley-   31 Rope-   32 Hand/foot strap-   33 Pulley clamp-   40 Trapeze bar-   41 Side bar-   42 Trapeze rod-   43 Trapeze clamp-   44 Trapeze springs-   45 Cross bar-   50 Split carriage-   51 First carriage section-   52 Second Carriage section-   53 Right hand end of apparatus-   54 Spring slot-   55 Spring head-   56 Spring retainer-   57 Rope cleat-   58 Shoulder pad-   59 Shock absorbers-   60 Split collar-   70 Jump board-   71 Hook-   72 Foot bar-   80 Body board

The invention thus provides exercise apparatus and uses thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Exercise apparatus, comprising: (1) abox-like frame defining an exercise area within and around the frame,comprising: (a) two rails, referred to as lower rails, supported on theframe and on which is mounted an exercise carriage comprising a firstcarriage section and a second carriage section; (b) two left hand sideuprights, being proximal to the first carriage section; (c) two righthand side uprights being proximal to the second carriage section; and(d) two upper rails mounted between the two pairs of uprights, whereinthe first carriage section and the second carriage section can be (i)connected together to form a single exercise carriage which slidesforwards and backwards on the rails during exercise, and (ii)disconnected to form two exercise carriages which independently slideforwards and backwards on the rails during exercise; (2) from 2 to 5springs removably attachable to the frame, the first carriage sectionand/or the second carriage section so that: the first carriage sectionis connectable by one or more of the springs to the frame; and / or thefirst carriage section is connectable by one or more of the springs tothe second carriage section; and / or the second carriage section isconnectable by one or more of the springs to the frame; (3) a lock tolock the first carriage section at any position along the rails; (4) alock to lock the second carriage section at any position along therails; (5) two pulleys attached to the frame, two ropes threaded throughthe pulleys and two rope cleats located on the first carriage section,and wherein the ropes have two ends, one of which is free and one is toattach to one of the rope cleats; (6) a seat mounted between the twoleft hand side uprights, or between the two right hand side uprights,and a resistance-biased foot pedal associated with the seat, furthercomprising springs connecting the pedal to the uprights or to the seatand offering resistance to movement of the pedal away from the seat by auser; and (7) a trapeze bar pivotally mounted between the two left handside uprights, or between the two right hand side uprights or betweenthe two upper rails, biased to provide resistance to movement.
 2. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the from 2 to 5 springscan be independently connected between the first carriage section andthe frame.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of thefrom 2 to 5 springs can be independently connected between the firstcarriage section and the second carriage section.
 4. The exerciseapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the from 2 to 5 springs can beindependently connected between the second carriage section and theframe.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising springsconnecting the pedal to the uprights or to the seat and offeringresistance to movement of the pedal away from the seat by a user.
 6. Theexercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising springs connecting the trapezebar to the frame, e.g. to the uprights or to the upper rails, offeringresistance to movement of the bar by a user.
 7. The exercise apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a foot bar attached between the left handside uprights or the right hand side uprights.
 8. The exercise apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a ladder attached to the upper rails. 9.The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the upper rails extendbetween the right hand uprights and the left hand uprights and compriseprojections which project to the right of the right hand uprights or tothe left of the left hand uprights, the ladder being connected to theprojections.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 1, further comprisinga flat board, attached to the right hand side uprights or to the lefthand side uprights, substantially perpendicular to the exercisecarriage.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising one or morebuffers to lessen the impact of the exercise carriage at the limits ofits travel on the rails.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1,comprising four pulleys, two mounted on each of the left hand sideuprights, wherein each pulley can be fastened at any position along thelength of its upright.
 13. Exercise apparatus, comprising: a box-likeframe defining an exercise area within and around the frame, the framecomprising: two lower rails; two left hand side uprights; two right handside uprights; and two upper rails mounted between the two pairs ofuprights; an exercise carriage, comprising a first carriage section anda second carriage section, mounted on the lower rails, wherein the firstcarriage section and the second carriage section can be (i) connectedtogether to form a single exercise carriage which can slide forwards andbackwards on the rails during exercise against an adjustable resistance,and (ii) disconnected to form two exercise carriages each of which canindependently slide forwards and backwards on the rails during exerciseagainst an adjustable resistance; a lock to lock the first carriagesection at any position along the rails; a seat mounted between the twoleft hand side uprights, or between the two right hand side uprights; aresistance-biased foot pedal associated with the seat; and springsconnecting the pedal to the uprights or to the seat and offeringresistance to movement of the pedal away from the seat by a user,wherein the two left hand side uprights are proximal to the firstcarriage section, and wherein the two right hand side uprights areproximal to the second carriage section.
 14. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the adjustable resistance is provided by springs. 15.The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising springs removablyattachable to the frame, the first carriage section and/or the secondcarriage section so that: the first carriage section can be connected byone or more springs to the second carriage section; and/or the secondcarriage section can be connected by one or more springs to the frame.16. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising springs removablyattachable to the frame, the first carriage section and/or the secondcarriage section so that: the first carriage section can be connected byone or more springs to the second carriage section; and/or the firstcarriage section can be connected by one or more springs to the frame.17. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising from 2 to 5 springswhich can each be independently connected between the first carriagesection and the frame.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 13,comprising from 2 to 5 springs which can each be independently connectedbetween the first carriage section and the second carriage section. 19.The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising from 2 to 5 springs whichcan each be independently connected between the second carriage sectionand the frame.
 20. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising a lockto lock the second carriage section at any position along the rails. 21.The exercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising: two pulleys attached tothe frame; two ropes threaded through the pulleys; and two rope cleatson the first carriage section, wherein the ropes have two ends, one ofwhich is free and one is to attach to one of the rope cleats.
 22. Theexercise apparatus of claim 13, comprising four pulleys, two mounted oneach of the left hand side uprights, wherein each pulley can be fastenedat any position along the length of its upright.
 23. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, comprising a trapeze bar pivotally mountedbetween the two left hand side uprights, or between the two right handside uprights or between the two upper rails, biased to provideresistance to movement.
 24. The exercise apparatus of claim 23,comprising springs connecting the trapeze bar to the frame, offeringresistance to movement of the bar by a user.
 25. The exercise apparatusof claim 13, comprising a foot bar attached between the left hand sideuprights or the right hand side uprights.
 26. The exercise apparatus ofclaim 13, comprising a flat board, attached to the right hand sideuprights or to the left hand side uprights, substantially perpendicularto the exercise carriage.
 27. The exercise apparatus of claim 13,comprising one or more buffers to lessen the impact of the exercisecarriage at the limits of its travel on the rails.
 28. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, wherein the seat is configured to be mounted in afixed position between the two left hand side uprights or between thetwo right hand side uprights.
 29. The exercise apparatus of claim 13,wherein the seat is configured to be mounted at a level that is raisedup with respect to the level of the first and second carriage sections.30. Exercise apparatus, comprising: a box-like frame defining anexercise area within and around the frame, the frame comprising: twolower rails; two left hand side uprights; two right hand side uprights;and two upper rails mounted between the two pairs of uprights; anexercise carriage, comprising a first carriage section and a secondcarriage section, mounted on the lower rails, wherein the first carriagesection and the second carriage section can be connected together toform a single exercise carriage which can slide forwards and backwardson the rails during exercise against an adjustable resistance, anddisconnected to form two exercise carriages each of which canindependently slide forwards and backwards on the rails during exerciseagainst an adjustable resistance; a lock to lock the first carriagesection at any position along the rails; a seat mounted between the twoleft hand side uprights, or between the two right hand side uprights; aresistance-biased foot pedal associated with the seat; and four pulleys,two mounted on each of the left hand side uprights, wherein each pulleycan be fastened at any position along the length of its upright, whereinthe two left hand side uprights are proximal to the first carriagesection, and wherein the two right hand side uprights are proximal tothe second carriage section.
 31. Exercise apparatus, comprising: abox-like frame defining an exercise area within and around the frame,the frame comprising: two lower rails; two left hand side uprights; tworight hand side uprights; and two upper rails mounted between the twopairs of uprights; an exercise carriage, comprising a first carriagesection and a second carriage section, mounted on the lower rails,wherein the first carriage section and the second carriage section canbe connected together to form a single exercise carriage which can slideforwards and backwards on the rails during exercise against anadjustable resistance, and disconnected to form two exercise carriageseach of which can independently slide forwards and backwards on therails during exercise against an adjustable resistance; a lock to lockthe first carriage section at any position along the rails; a seatmounted between the two left hand side uprights, or between the tworight hand side uprights; a resistance-biased foot pedal associated withthe seat; and one or more buffers to lessen the impact of the exercisecarriage at the limits of its travel on the rails, wherein the two lefthand side uprights are proximal to the first carriage section, andwherein the two right hand side uprights are proximal to the secondcarriage section.